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02.04.2024
Altice Bond Yield Surges Amidst Debt Reduction Strategy
Altice Bond Yield Surges Amidst Debt Reduction Strategy
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Altice's bond yield surged due to its debt reduction plan, involving negotiations with creditors and controversial propositions regarding asset sale proceeds.

The Altice Financing 2.25% Jan 2025 EUR bond (XS2102493116) has witnessed a remarkable shift in its yield, increasing by 303 basis points to 8.8% over the past two weeks.

Yield curve illustration showing the performance of the Altice Financing bond (XS2102493116), with a 2.25% coupon, due on January 15, 2025, in euro.

The surge in yield can be attributed to Altice's ambitious plan to alleviate its staggering debt load, particularly within its embattled French telecommunications arm. As Altice seeks to diminish a debt burden amounting to nearly €25 billion ($27 billion), Altice France SA aims to reduce its liabilities by as much as €10 billion, aiming to lower its leverage from the current 6.4 times earnings to below 4 times.

Altice's strategy involves convincing creditors to accept losses as part of a debt restructuring deal. The company is seeking to persuade creditors to agree to a haircut in exchange for incorporating proceeds from asset sales into the debt deal. However, this proposition is not without controversy, as the legality of including these proceeds is questioned, adding complexity to negotiations.

Moreover, Altice is grappling with an investigation in France and Portugal for alleged corruption, claiming to be a victim of the purported misconduct. This additional challenge compounds the already intricate debt restructuring process.

Moody's recent downgrade of Altice France to Caa2 heightens pressure on the company, reflecting revenue declines and the need for leverage reduction. This impacts collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) holding Altice France's debt, potentially triggering rapid divestment. Despite a higher B- rating from S&P Global Ratings, Altice's outlook remains precarious due to its unsustainable capital structure and weak liquidity.

In response to queries, Altice declined to comment, leaving investors and creditors to speculate on the company's next moves. However, with Altice facing a substantial debt load across its US and European operations, Patrick Drahi, the CEO of the company, has previously signaled a willingness to explore all options, including asset sales, to address the debt issue.

The Yield Map for Altice Euro-denominated bonds as of April 02, 2024:

The Yield Map for Altice Euro-denominated bonds as of April 02, 2024.

About Altice

Altice is a multinational telecommunications corporation founded in 2001 by Patrick Drahi, with a prominent presence in cable television, internet access, broadband, mobile, and advertising services across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. Organized into segments including cable television, internet access and broadband, mobile, and advertising, Altice offers a comprehensive suite of services to residential and business customers. The company is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

This article does not constitute investment advice or personal recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bondfish does not recommend using the data and information provided as the only basis for making any investment decision. You should not make any investment decisions without first conducting your own research and considering your own financial situation.